Bridget Hatch serves as Marketing and Event Director for KidsMatter. As an advocate for the Naperville community, she presses onward to provide more accessible avenues for education to both kids and parents in difficult situations. She is particularly eager to see fewer stresses in teen’s lives as performance pressures mount in an ever-increasing digital age.

“We live in one of the greatest communities in the world; of course there are struggles. We want to meet those struggles as best we can.” – Bridget Hatch

With a Graduate Level degree, Bridget began her adulthood in corporate America. She spent nearly 16 years working in a variety of fields. From a Reporter in the Political Unit at ABC News to Software Training at Mesirow to Software and Web Development at a number of companies like Allstate and ComEd, she knew how to make big strides and pursue her interests with decisiveness. All along the way, however, she remained in touch with a number of philanthropic agencies. She doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t volunteer. Her focus has always been on bettering the world around her.

“When I decided to stay home, it was scary and magical all at once. I developed a community. All that mattered was our ‘cocoon’.” – Bridget Hatch

After developing a dynamic identity in the business world, she made the tough career move to stay home with her newborn son. She had every intention of returning after Maternity Leave, but suddenly her interests were no longer peaked by her employment. Her interests remained entirely in caring for her son as her husband’s work travel schedule became increasingly more demanding.This decision, although a daring leap from what she knew, ultimately set the trajectory for her path to KidsMatter. As her son grew, she became involved in school fundraisers and local charitable organizations. She decided it was time to plug back into the work force, but she wasn’t sure in what capacity. It was seven years ago through the Naperville Mom’s Network where she found her calling.

“Do your own best. You don’t have to be better than anyone. Be your best you.” – Bridget Hatch

Once onboard with KidsMatter, all of Bridget’s passions became realized. She had always been community-minded; even reflecting on her time home with her son, she emphasized the importance of developing strong, interconnected community through relationships. Her emphasis has now been realized through the incredible services at KidsMatter and ParentsMatterToo. It’s through these services, her reach goes even further in meeting the more silent struggles that our community experiences. She is passionate about the causes, which provide active solutions to raising children to become well-rounded, confident, and resilient to the many pressures that surround them.

She encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves. She’s noticed through research at KidsMatter that a lot of the stresses teens face are not much different from our own. We’re constantly comparing ourselves or being compared to someone else. This is a recipe for discouragement and disappointment. Instead, she says “Be your best you”. There’s only one you, and no one can be YOU better than you can.

To learn more about KidsMatter and ParentsMatterToo, please visit their sites at kidmatter2us.org and parentsmattertoo.org.

By: Erin D. Wikstrom, CFP®

We help individuals and families meet their goals by providing investment and insurance services that are consistent with their financial situation. We pride ourselves on our reputation as a team that has integrity, trustworthiness, and professionalism. We strive to go beyond our clients’ expectations by providing tailored services and concierge care.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPCRaymond James is not affiliated with Bridget Hatch, KidsMatter, or ParentsMatterToo